ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Tourism
26 religious cities/sites in 19 States have been identified for development under PRASHAD Scheme: Shri K. J. Alphons
The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory  Administrations under the schemes of Swadesh Darshan, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive  and Assistance to Central Agencies for the development of tourism related infrastructure in the country.
Under the PRASHAD Scheme, 26 religious cities/sites in 19 States have been identified for development which inter-alia include Amaravati and Srisailam , Kamakhya , Patna and Gaya , Dwarka and Somnath , Gurudwara Nada Saheb , Hazratbal and Katra , Deogarh , Chamundeshwari Devi , Guruvayoor , Una , Omkareshwar , Trimbakeshwar , Puri , Amritsar , Ajmer , Kanchipuram and Vellankani , Varanasi and Mathura , Badrinath and Kedarnath  and Belur .
The Scheme of Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development aims at developing tourism related infrastructure through central financial assistance to the Central Agencies who own the assets.
This information was given by the Minister of State  for Tourism Shri. K. J. Alphons, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways modifies terms and conditions of booking of tickets for 15 pairs of Special Trains
The Advance Reservation Period  of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days
The change shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2020 and for train starting date of 31st May 2020 onwards
Indian Railways is presently running fifteen pairs of special Trains with effect from 12.05.20. For the convenience of the passengers, it has now been decided to revise certain terms and conditions of these 15 pairs of special trains as under :
The Advance Reservation Period  of these trains will be increased from 7 days to 30 days.
There shall be no Tatkal booking in these trains.
RAC/Waiting list tickets will be issued in these trains as per extant instructions applicable. However waitlisted passengers will not be allowed to board these trains as per extant instructions.
First chart shall be prepared at least 4 hours before scheduled departure and second chart shall be prepared at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Current booking shall be permitted in between first and second chart.
Booking of tickets shall be permissible through computerized PRS counters including Post Offices, Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra licensees etc, as well as through on-line booking including authorized agents of Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation and Common Service Centres.
The above shall be implemented with effect from train booking date 24th May 2020 and for train starting date of 31st May 2020 onwards.
Prime Minister's Office
In a first of its kind initiative, PM to interact with Heads of Indian Missions abroad and stakeholders of the trade & commerce sector on 6th August
PM to give a clarion call for ‘Local Goes Global - Make in India for the World’
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with Heads of Indian Missions abroad along with stakeholders of the trade & commerce sector of the country on 6 August, 2021 at 6 PM, via video conferencing. The event will mark a clarion call by the Prime Minister for ‘Local Goes Global - Make in India for the World’.
Exports have a huge employment generation potential, especially for MSMEs and high labour-intensive sectors, with a cascading effect on the manufacturing sector and the overall economy. The purpose of the interaction is to provide a focussed thrust to leverage and expand India’s export and its share in global trade.
The interaction aims to energise all stakeholders towards expanding our export potential and utilizing the local capabilities to fulfil the global demand.
Union Commerce Minister and External Affairs Minister will also be present during the interaction. The interaction will also witness participation of Secretaries of more than twenty departments, state government officials, members of Export Promotion Councils and Chambers of Commerce.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles passing away of CPI veteran Gurudas Dasgupta
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of CPI veteran Gurudas Dasgupta.
“Shri Gurudas Dasgupta Ji was one of the most committed and articulate proponents of his ideology. He was a strong voice in Parliament, whose interventions were keenly heard across the political spectrum. Saddened by his passing away. May his soul rest in peace”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Schemes Sponsored by Asian Development Bank
As informed by Department of Economic Affairs , Ministry of Finance, details of the projects currently being run with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank  in North Eastern States including Assam are at Annexure.
One project, namely, North Eastern Road Sector Development Scheme-Externally Aided Project   is under implementation under the aegis of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
For all the ADB-aided projects, the DEA organizes periodic or issue-specific tripartite portfolios review meetings  two to three times in a calendar year to review the implementation and progress of the projects and addresses the issues, if any. These TPRMs are attended by the line Ministries, State Governments, project implementation agencies and ADB.
Regarding NERSDS-EAP, a mechanism for comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of the project was included in the project design itself. It includes provision for concurrent, mid-term and post-project evaluation for performance as well as impact of the project. The Project Implementing Units of the State Governments also submit quarterly progress reports that are shared with the funding agency i.e. ADB. A Project Monitoring Unit has been set up in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the project is reviewed on regular basis. Inspections of the project-sites have been conducted by inspection teams with representatives of the Ministry, ADB and the State Government concerned.
Annexure
|
|
S. No.
|
|
Project Name
|
|
State
|
|
Net loan 
|
|
1
|
|
Assam Power Sector Investment Program - T3
|
|
Assam
|
|
231
|
|
2
|
|
Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program - Project 1
|
|
Assam
|
|
46.25
|
|
3
|
|
Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program - 
|
|
Assam
|
|
26.04
|
|
4
|
|
South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Investment Program - Project 1
|
|
Manipur
|
|
161.20
|
|
5
|
|
South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation Road Connectivity Investment Program - Project 2
|
|
Manipur
|
|
21.80
|
|
6
|
|
Meghalaya Power Distribution Sector Improvement Project
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
132.80
|
|
7
|
|
Aizawl Sustainable Urban Transport Project
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
4.50
|
|
8
|
|
Sikkim Major District Roads Upgradation Project
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
2.50
|
|
9
|
|
Tripura Urban and Tourism Development Project
|
|
Tripura
|
|
4.21
|
|
10
|
|
Agartala City Urban Development Project
|
|
Tripura
|
|
61
|
|
11
|
|
North Eastern Road Sector Development Scheme-Externally Aided Project – Project 1
|
|
Multi-States 
|
|
74.80
|
|
12
|
|
North Eastern Road Sector Development Scheme-Externally Aided Project – Project 2
|
|
Multi-States 
|
|
125.20
This information was given by The Minister for Development of North East Region Shri. G. Kishan Reddy in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Swachhata Pakhwada 2021 at Paradip Port Trust
Coinciding with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations, PPT began the observance of “Swachhta Pakhwada” today. It started with a Swachhata Pledge administered by Shri A.K. Bose, Dy. Chairman, PPT to HoDs and Dy. HoDs at the Portico in front of PPT Administrative Building. Due to COVID-19 Guidelines, different Head of Offices and that staff took pledge in their respective office premises maintaining social distancing norms. R&B Division of Engg. Deptt. undertook cleanliness activities in the surroundings of the Administrative Building.
PPT has already drawn up a detailed Action plan for the period, as part of Swachhta Pakhwada viz., awareness drive among workers and staff of all Departments & Divisions of PPT, swachhata awareness hoardings, Swacchata Rath, Cleaning of Pump Houses and digital display at important locations in the township.
Due to the COVID crisis and Unlock guidelines, social distancing is being given special emphasis in various events to be undertaken during the Pakhwada period.
Ministry of Defence
Union Cabinet approves contract signing with L&T for three Cadet Training Ships, worth over Rs 3,100 crore, under Buy  category
The Union Cabinet has accorded approval to sign a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited  for acquisition of three Cadet Training Ships, at an overall cost of Rs 3,108.09 crore, under Buy {Indian-IDDM } category. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from 2026.
These ships will cater to the training of officer cadets, including women, at sea after their basic training to meet the future requirements of the Indian Navy. The ships would also provide training to cadets from friendly countries with the aim to strengthen diplomatic relations. The ships can also be deployed for evacuation of people and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief .
The ships will be indigenously designed, developed and constructed at L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. The project will generate an employment of 22.5 lakh man-days over a period of four-and-half years. This will encourage active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs. With the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in consonance with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Sustainable Tourism in Biodiversity Heritage Sites
Government of Odisha has notiﬁed three Biodiversity Heritage Sites i.e. Mandasaru Hills, Kandhamal district, Mahendragiri Hills, Gajpati district and Gandhamardan Hills in the Bolangir and Bargarh district.
Community based eco-tourism is an alternate source of livelihood for the forest dependent communities. Surrounding communities are engaged in eco-tourism activities and benefits are shared among them to supplement their livelihood. A Nature Camp has been developed by the Government of Odisha in Mandasaru Hills and Gandhamardan Hill. Activities including visit to the water falls, watch tower, cycling, children’s park, plantation, dining hall, nature walk, trekking, birding and visit to pilgrimage place at Harishankar and Nrusinghnath, are undertaken in these eco-tourism destinations.
Eco Development Committees, Vana Sanrakshyana Samities and Eco-tourism groups have been formed in the villages for management of the Nature Camps. 16 Eco-tourism Group members are engaged in Mandasaru Valley Nature Camp whereas 06 Eco-tourism Group members are engaged in Nrusinghnath Nature Camp. Local people have also been trained as eco-guides which generates alternate livelihood for them. For upgrading their skills in respect of various activities, training programmes are conducted by Institute of Hotel Management and Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management for providing training, capacity building and exposure visit on hospitality, housekeeping, sanitation, cleaning, communication skills, food cuisine and check-in and check-out protocols.
The Odisha Biodiversity Board has been provided with funds for providing training and capacity building of Eco Development Committees, Vana Sanrakshyana Samities , Eco-tourism Group members for developing eco- guides for identiﬁcation of rare and endangered species of ﬂora and fauna, conservation of indigenous species and organising trails and trekking routes for better awareness of the eco-tourists in that locality.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Need for military capability development in the emerging warfare landscape, says CDS Gen Anil Chauhan
“Interoperability and integration will grow manifold with theaterisation”
DRDO and Centre for Joint Warfare Studies organize a Seminar & Exhibition on ‘Technology Enabled sensor-Decision-Shooter superiority’
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, has stressed on the need for military capability development in the emerging warfare landscape. He was speaking as the Guest of Honour in a seminar & exhibition on “Technology Enabled sensor-Decision-Shooter superiority” organised jointly by Defence Research & Development Organisation  and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies  at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on 30 June 2023.
In his address, Gen Chauhan underscored the achievements of the armed forces in achieving synergy and transparency in numerous sensor and shooter capabilities, including integration of latest communication and artificial intelligence technologies.
The CDS said that OODA  cycle needs to be of a higher tempo to be in step with the pace of warfighting made possible with the cutting edge technologies. Gen Chauhan emphasized that Capability Development is being done through a scientific process and mentioned that interoperability and integration will grow manifold with theaterisation.
The CDS stated that baseline understanding of space, cyber and EW technologies is important for all warfighters. He appreciated the efforts of DRDO and CENJOWS for bringing the services, scientists, industry and academia together for brainstorming the subject and mutual understanding of each other’s requirements to meet the future battle field challenges.
Secretary, the Department of R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat also attended the function. Dr. Samir V Kamat in his address stated that with the proliferation of sensors, the Network Centric Warfare is a reality in the future battlefield scenario. He highlighted that the security of such networks is paramount and passage of secure information in time is a necessity. He also underscored the salience of AI-driven autonomy.
Director CENJOWS, Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, AVSM, VSM, Senior Military officers from the three services, DRDO Scientists and Industry representatives attended the seminar, which had discussions by various “subject matter experts” on strategic and multi-domain awareness, information sharing: Networks and communications, Analysis, intelligence and Decision Making, Prompt & Multi-Domain Targeting.
The seminar provided opportunities for military leaders, scientists, Think Tanks to brainstorm emerging development on the subject and provide various actionable points for all stakeholders.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India & Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding  signed in 2014 and approval for renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India  & Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants  in Saudi Arabia to promote mutual co-operation framework in the areas of Corporate Governance, Technical Research & Advice, Quality Assurance, Forensic Accounting, issues for Small and Medium Sized Practices , Islamic Finance, Continuing Professional Development  and other subjects of mutual interest related to Accountancy profession.
Major impact:
The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship inthe best interest of ICAI members, students and their organizations.
The MoU will provide an opportunity to the ICAI members to expand theirprofessional horizons and simultaneously ICAI will become an entity to aidand strengthen capacity building of local nationals.
The MoU will further enable ICAI to promote the Accounting and Auditing profession and all matters that might lead to the development of the profession and improve its status.
Beneficiaries:
ICAI has strong presence of 3 Chapters at Eastern Province covering Jeddah, Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, having more than 200 members who have been engaged at different professional level. The MoU will foster strong working relations between the ICAI & SOCPA thus giving strong professional opportunities to Indian Chartered Accountants in India and more confidence to employers in Eastern Province, thus creating significant employment opportunities for Indian Chartered Accountants.
Background:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India  is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament of India, The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949', to regulate the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. Saudi Certified Public Accountants' Regulations issued under Royal Decree entrusted the "Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants " for promotion of the Accountancy and Auditing profession in that country.
Ministry of Power
PFC pays second interim dividend of Rs. 369.57 crore to Government of India for the financial year 2021-22
Power Finance Corporation, a Schedule - A Maharatna CPSE and India’s leading NBFC for the Power Sector has paid Rs 369.57 crore to Government of India and Rs 290.45 crore to other shareholders, totalling to Rs 660.02 crore as second Interim Dividend for the financial year 2021-22 on 10th December, 2021.
The second interim dividend @ 25% i.e. Rs. 2.50 per equity share of face value Rs. 10 each was declared by the Board of Directors in its meeting held on 11th November, 2021 and is in addition to the first interim dividend amounting to Rs.332.61 crore paid to Govt. of India and Rs 261.4 crore to other shareholders totalling to Rs 594.01 crore on 10 th September 2021 @ 22.5% i.e. Rs. 2.25 per equity share of face value Rs. 10 each for the financial year 2021-22.
With this PFC has so far paid interim dividend amounting to Rs. 1254.03 crores to its shareholders.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh attends "Behdienkhlam" festival at Jowai, Meghalaya
The Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region , Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today attended the famous 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Festival, "Behdienkhlam", held every year at the small peripheral town of Jowai, Meghalaya. On the concluding day of the festival today, Dr Jitendra Singh spent time with the visitors from across the region who had come to attend the festival. He also showed interest in the religious rituals associated with the event.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that his presence in the event is also a reiteration of the high priority that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his Government accords not only to the development of the region, but also to promote, preserve and patronize the healthy traditional culture and civilization of the region.
The DoNER Minister said that Prime Minister has visited Northeast over 30 times in a short span of four years. He said that the Government has sought to identify with every ethnic and tribal group of the region, while the Ministry of DoNER introduced the practice of having a rotational Camp Secretariat by turn every month in each of the eight States and this has resulted in a very close affinity between the people of Northeast and the Ministry of DoNER.
It was during this Government, Dr Jitendra Singh said, that Meghalaya saw its first-ever train and got included in the rail map of India. Not only this, in the last four years, the law & order and security situation has considerably improved towards normalcy and now, the picturesque locales of Meghalaya are flooded with tourists, he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Shri O.R. Challam, President, Seinraij Jowai, thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for attending the four-day festival which has very strong, emotional, sentimental, cultural and spiritual importance for the people living in this area.
Ministry of Home Affairs
NDMA issues guideline on restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown period
Field functionaries to ensure strict compliance of guidelines
Union Ministry of Home Affairs , has issued detailed guidelines under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, on restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown period.
In early response to COVID-19, nationwide lockdown was ordered with effect from 25th March. As the lockdown is being gradually released in some zones, certain economic activities are being permitted as per NDMA orders No.1-29/2020-PP dated 1st May 2020 and MHA order No. 40- 3/2020-DM-I dated 1st May 2020.
Due to several weeks of lockdown and the closure of industrial units during the lockdown period, it is possible that some of the operators might nothave followed the established SOP. As a result, some of the manufacturing facilities, pipelines, valves, etc. may have residual chemicals, which may pose risk. The same is true for the storage facilities with hazardous chemicals and flammable materials.
National Disaster Management Authority has issued -
1. Guidelines on Chemical Disasters, 2007
2. Guidelines on Management of Chemical  Disasters, 2009 and
3. Strengthening of Safety and Security for Transportation of POL Tankers,2010, which are relevant for chemical industries. The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 under Environment Protection Act, 1086 provide the statutory requirements for these industries.
When Lockout/Tagout procedures are not in place, many energy sources can prove to be hazardous to operators/supervisors who are servicing or maintaining electrical, mechanical or chemical equipment. When heavy machinery and equipment are not maintained periodically, they can become dangerous for the operators/engineers.
Combustible liquids, contained gaseous substances, open wires, conveyor belts and automated vehicles make manufacturing facilities a high-risk environment. Improper enforcement of safety codes and improperly labelled chemicals can further pose serious health hazards.
When an unexpected event occurs, managing rapid response becomes challenging. In order to minimize the risk and to encourage a successful restart of the industrial units, the following guidelines are being issued.
State Governments shall also ensure that the off-site disaster management plan of the respective Major Accidental Hazard  units are up to date and preparedness to implement them is high. It is also advised that all the responsible officers of the district shall ensure the Industrial On-Site Disaster Management Plans are also in place and cover Standard Operating Procedures for safe re-starting of the industries during & after COVID 19 lock down.
Click here to see the Detailed Guidelines
Special Service and Features
Passport Seva Kendras to function on September 27
All passport and PCC appointments booked on September 28 have been rescheduled to September 27
Passport Seva Kendras in Vazhuthacaud, Neyyattinkara and Kollam, under the Regional Passport Office in Thiruvananthapuram, and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras in Attingal and Pathanamthitta will function on September 27 . Milad-i-Sherif holiday for Central Government institutions in the state has been postponed to September 28 . All passport and PCC appointments booked on September 28 have been rescheduled to September 27. Those who have already taken an appointment for 28th can report on September 27 at the respective Passport Seva Kendras in the same schedule. For more information, please contact 0471 2470225 or rpo.trivandrum@mea.gov.in  or 8089685796 .
NS
(Visitor Counter : 94